Latham Thomas on Motherhood & Mama-Minded Business

Sep 26, 2016

Share

Having a baby is often portrayed as taking a step-back from a future career and aspirations. Between the sleep-training, feeding schedule, and the never-ending-diaper train, one can often feel like there isn't much room left for dreaming. And yet Latham Thomas, founder of MamaGlow did just that - she had her son, and began to dream. Today, she's the bestselling author of “Mama Glow: A Hip Guide to a Fabulous and Abundant Pregnancy,” and has made a name as THE go-to guru in holistic wellness for women in their pregnancy journey. We sat down with Latham to talk about her Motherhood journey.

You are a mother to the handsome and talented Fulano. How has this new role impacted you?Motherhood has shaped my life in such a meaningful way. My son imprinted me at birth, he etched a song upon my soul that changed my life forever. Everything about him inspires me to be better. I know for sure that my business, Mama Glow was birthed through my personal experience in pregnancy and birth. Giving life is so remarkable, it’s a blessing and a miracle. I thank God every day for the gift of motherhood and for the career that allows me to witness women in their strength in giving birth.

As the Founder of Mama Glow and Maternity Lifestyle Maven, you must have had some valuable inspiration in your life, tell us about that.

Mama Glow grew out of what I saw as a need to celebrate and amplify the experience of pregnancy and motherhood- to elevate birth. Mama Glow is an abundant, radiant energy that comes from within. It’s about your initiation, birthing yourself as a powerful woman, as you prepare to give birth to your bundle of joy. Birth is our rite of passage, and Mama Glow is our birthright—to walk in grace, power, and wisdom, to have understanding, reverence, and trust in our bodies. Having faith in the benevolent universe and being an active participant in the co-creation of your fabulous life. This act of standing in your power ignites a force within that glows from the inside out. It’s a personal style that reflects confidence, beauty, radiance, and balance. I was completely inspired by my birth.

When my baby was sleeping, I would dream up ideas, write, and work on the rudiments of what would become Mama Glow. Overtime I wrote the bestselling book Mama Glow: A Hip Guide to A Fabulous Abundant Pregnancy, which has been endorsed by Cristy Turlington, Alicia Keys, Dr Christiane Northrup and more. What started off as meet-ups in my living room turned into a booming practice. With a degree from Columbia University I had a foundation that would open doors for me. I knew things were taking off when Vogue and Destination Maternity called me to partner on a maternity fashion and wellness initiatives. I’ve been so blessed to work with incredible brands aligned with our messaging.

What makes Mama Glow so unique in the maternity lifestyle/wellness space?

I claimed a niche and everyone said it was too small as sliver to really make a difference, but 6.4 million women get pregnant every year in the US alone. That’s a huge group. So I created an elevated brand experience and culture that’s immersive that catered to that group. One where women feel like they are being held and swaddled in support. It inspires women to birth the best iteration of themselves. I don’t fit in the crowd so I am not worried about standing out in the crowd. I don’t look at what others are doing- I focus on what I am doing and that’s what has lead me to become an industry leader. We are working on education programs and launching in new markets, which is exciting.

What has it been like to build the MamaGlow empire from the helm?

I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s been a journey. I have learned patience. I have learned to trust the process and my conviction and faith has really kept me going. Start a sister circle of supporters. This is something I always suggest to my expectant moms but just like moms need the support as they are embarking upon the journey into motherhood- when you are launching a business it’s great to have the support of people you look up to from different industries who can provide advice that will help you along the way, who you can bounce ideas off of etc.

Finally, do you have any advice for your fellow mamas?

Have a playdate- for yourself! Make time for yourself, even if it’s 5 minutes a day. Relish in that time you have to celebrate yourself. We do so much to take care of our kids and our family- make sure you give back to yourself by doing something that brings you joy.